INTRODUCTION
One of the most spectacular forts of Jaipur, Jaigarh fort or 'Victory Fort' is situated on a hilltop. One of the few hard-core fortress and military structures of medieval India that are well preserved and are almost intact, this fort has palaces, granary, well-planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted cannon known as Jaivan, which is believed to be the largest cannon in the world. Jaigarh fort is a must see on a visit to Rajasthan.

LEGEND
The Jaigarh Fort was built to strengthen the defense of Amer. Jaivana is the world’s largest wheeled canon. It was built in 1720 and is believed to have been used only once where the canon fell 35 kilometers away on a village. However experts say that on inspection they feel that the canon has been used more than once.

DESCRIPTION
Built between 15th and 18th centuries, Jaigarh Fort is situated 15 km from Jaipur and is surrounded by forbidding and imposing stone ramparts. The breath taking views from the Dungar Darwaza, the main gate, are enough to overwhelm anybody who comes to the place. A collection of coins and puppets are of interest to many collectors. Open to public now, it has been sealed for seven years by the government to check the authenticity of the rumor that large amount of gold treasure was buried here, which however was never really found despite all the search of the government officials.

The huge moated fort was built to enforce security of Jaipur and Amber. Though, the palace does not have the pretty palaces of Amer, it is the perfect place to visit, if you want to see the full-fledged citadel of ancient India. It takes at least two hours to explore the vast stretching grounds of the fort. The world's largest cannon on wheels, Jaivan was constructed in Jaigarh's foundry in 1720 and its barrel alone weighs close to 50 tons! It is said that it has been fired only once and that its ball fell 35 km away but this has been found to be untrue and historans believe that it has been used many times. There are loopholes for guns and boiling oil, a very efficient system for rainwater harvesting and the photographs of Sawai Bhawani Singh and Major General Man Singh II, who were senior military officers in the Indian Army, other Maharajas of Jaipur, palace guards, royal processions and the Jaipur State Cavalry. At Shubhat Niwas or the Meeting Hall of Warriors, one can see a few weather-beaten sedan chairs and drums.

While taking a tour of the Jaigarh Fort, one might want to visit the armory and the museum. The armory has many swords, shields, guns, muskets and even a 50 kg cannon ball. One can also see old photographs of two of Jaipur's Maharajas, Sawai Bhawani Singh and Major General Man Singh II, both of whom were senior officers in the military (Indian Army). The Museum has many photographs, of Maharajas, royalty, buildings and processions and even a circular pack of cards besides many other relics of the past.

HOW TO REACH Air- The nearest airport is Jaipur Airport, Sanganer which is at a distance of 11 km from where regular flights connect Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major destinations of India.

Rail- Trains are available from all the major parts of India. The luxury train the "Palace on Wheel" also covers the city.

Road- Jaipur can be accessed from all the major places in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi and Mumbai by bus.